BNP's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said that a frenzied wave of "mob justice" has emerged as a dangerous enemy of humanity.
He made the remarks in a message issued on Wednesday marking the United Nations-designated International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.
Tarique Rahman said, "The United Nations-declared International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is of immense importance. The significance of this day is profound. Every year on June 26, this international day is observed to express solidarity and respect for those who have been subjected to torture."
He continued: "Although nations began to gain independence following World War II, violence and conflict have not ceased across the globe. Bloodlust and brutal infighting continue to ravage many regions, resulting in widespread deaths, injuries, and permanent disabilities. In several countries, autocratic regimes are ruthlessly persecuting their opposition in a wave of unchecked brutality. The lives and properties of citizens in those countries remain under severe threat. Under such dictatorships, political dissenters often face abductions, extrajudicial killings, and years of imprisonment through fabricated cases. In Bangladesh, for nearly 16 years, democracy has been imprisoned under the grip of a horrific Awami fascist regime."
Tarique Rahman said that during the rule of the Awami fascist government, Bangladesh was turned into an all-devouring state. "All civil liberties, including freedom of expression, were stripped away. Freedom of the press was shackled through various draconian laws. Begum Khaleda Zia, Chairperson of the BNP and a symbol of democracy in Bangladesh, was unjustly convicted and imprisoned in a fabricated case. Even her right to proper medical treatment while critically ill was cruelly obstructed by the barbaric Awami regime. The entire country was gripped by fear, silence, and repression. Protest against the government's undemocratic and intolerant behavior would trigger the release of armed law enforcement against dissenters. By erasing humanity, the ruling party’s goons cultivated a culture of impunity, putting the lives of women, children, and ordinary citizens at grave risk."
He further remarked: "Only in a democratic society can the full rights of the people be guaranteed. Although we may be free from fascism, the process of building democratic institutions and practicing genuine democracy has yet to begin. Today, 'mob justice' has emerged as a violent mania, standing against the principles of humanity. It endangers the very environment needed for nurturing a democratic culture. To prevent the return of authoritarianism, we must ensure that democracy is dynamic and continuous. We must uphold the values of humanity, justice, the rule of law, and the sacred tradition of free and fair elections. For that, an unbreakable unity among democratic forces is essential."
The BNP Acting Chairman concluded by saying: "On this UN-designated International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, I extend solidarity to all oppressed people in Bangladesh and around the world. I call for the removal of all obstacles on the path to justice for torture victims. It is only through the united efforts of all humanity-driven and democracy-loving individuals around the world that the cruel oppressors and authoritarian rulers can be defeated."
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI
